Effects of grazing disturbance of spatial distribution pattern and interspecies relationship of two desert shrubs

Abstract Grazing significantly affects the distribution, growth, and productivity of shrubs. In this study, we evaluated effects grazing disturbance on spatial distribution patterns interspecific relationships two desert shrubs, Ammopiptanthus mongolicus Sarcozygium xanthoxylon . Three types conditions were considered, including enclosed area (EA), seasonal rotational (SRGA), (GA) (100 m × 100 m), in West Ordos Nature Reserve Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that A. S. populations uniformly distributed at a small scale, EA SRGA became gradually random. GA, population aggregated but random scale. Moreover, both 5–7 scale distribution. At intermediate scales, species positive GA. However, no relationship was noted between SRGA. A significant ( P < 0.01) 2–9 negative 13–17 scales Positive 6–13 14–24 shrubs they as competition intensified presence disturbance. When intensity exceeds certain threshold, become weak. Therefore, moderate would facilitate succession, whereas excessive disrupt natural causing desertification ultimately.